Database Users

[GUIDE] Unbrick your Milestone 2 - beginner friendly (common problems and how-to's)

If you just look for the bold font, you'll probably find what applies to you. -I tend to ramble alot so hopefully that will help you all cut through my crap.
Hello everyone, since you've come here you're probably looking for a way to fix your phone. There seems to be alot of new members popping up lately, all asking the same simple questions across various forums. Hopefully this thread can become a 1 stop shop of information on how to fix your bricked MS2, and information on what rom is compatible with what kernels.
A round-up thread can be found here but I'm pretty sure it is in need of an update - though some of the basics there are still relevant. <<<< PRETTY IMPORTANT THREADS IN THIS LINK
Droid 2 roms do not work with your Milestone 2. Period.
If you have updated to Gingerbread (officially), alot of the roms for the MS2 will not work on your phone anymore. Please refer to the version compatibility at the end of this thread to see what you can use. This is because the Kernel is upgraded and cannot be downgraded. Most of our roms run on an older kernel.
As of yet, no-one has permanently bricked there phone by flashing the wrong ROM or SBF file. This is due to the locked bootloader - no matter what you do you can't get rid of it and can allways flash back to stock ROM. If you think you cannot access bootloader mode and only get a black screen, fear not! It is actually in bootloader mode, just you can't see it. RSD-lite should recognize it.
Can't flash with RSD lite/phone still won't boot
run RSD lite as administrator
restart your PC
get a different version of RSD lite (preferably newer - downgrade if on newest)
re-download SBF file.
Check you are using a correct SBF - if you updated to Gingerbread (officially) you MUST use a Gingerbread SBF. Froyo users can flash whatever, but I strongly recommend you dont flash a Gingerbread SBF
A guide to fully restoring your MS2 to "out of the box" settings can be found here
I can't access bootloader: Some side information on the bootloader - if you have let your battery drain too low, it will not work. If you can't seem to access bootloader mode and just get a blackish grey screen - it is infact in bootloader mode and RSD lite should recognize it (see restore guide) A bricked MS2 will not charge. You will either need a wall charger than charges the battery directly (not inside the phone), or you can use the MacGyver method of charging it directly with some wires directly from a power source (something low voltage 3-5v's or so). For more information on this, please refer to google . I do not recommend the macgyver method - I have used this method before and I swear my battery has never been the same since. Plus the obvious dangers of playing with electricity if you don't actually know what you are doing.
boot loop or moto logo then black screen when booting
Potential causes are:
You may need to factory reset by accessing recovery. It is hold X on froyo, then when the triangle with the ! appears, you press @. I believe it is the same for gingerbread, but you press vol up and down when you get to the triangle. Please correct if i am wrong .
Corrupt SBF file - try a different one.
Incorrect SBF for the kernel you are on. If you OFFICIALLY updated to gingerbread, you can only use gingerbread roms and sbf's.
Version compatibility
Custom ROMS for stock froyo users (still on froyo kernel or CH-GB leaked kernel):
Cyanogen Mod 9 (tezet)
Cyanogen Mod 7 (tezet)
Cyanogen Mod 7 (endless7 - defy port and mod for tezet's cm7)
MIUI (will5)
Argen2Stone (santiemanuel)
INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS (froyo users)
CM7/CM9/MIUI install instructions can be found here - be sure to download the "all other users" version of CM9
Argen2Stone install instruction can be found here
To install endless7's CM7 mod, first install for tezet CM7, then flash the .zip of the mod in CWM.
There are others but I'm not sure if they are relevant any more - certainly hasn't been any updates in a long time.
Custom ROMS for official Gingerbread users:
Cyanogen Mod 9 (tezet)
Cyanogen Mod 7 (endless7 - defy port ONLY)
Argen2Stone (santiemanuel)
INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS (Gingerbread users)
CM7/CM9 install instructions can be found here - be sure to download the "European GB kernel" version of CM9. CM7 will need to flash the fixed SBF with RSD lite afterwards (contains the kernel you require to boot your phone)
Argen2Stone install instruction can be found here also be sure you do not flash any fixed sbf as you are already on a compatible kernel. If you already did, or didnt come from stock gingerbread or get a bootloop, then try flashing the fixed sbf with rsd
If these instructions for GB seem wrong, please let me know - This is just what I've gathered from barely paying attention to it. I have not upgrade (/downgraded really) to official GB so don't know from experience.
Misc. Troubleshooting & Additional Information
GPS not working - Download faster fix from the market and select an appropriate server - the rom you are on is probably set to a different country.
Data not working - Check you have the right APN settings - often the default settings appear correct, yet have some errors (eg will put * as password and username, hen it should be blank.). Just google your country and provider for you correct settings.
Apps force closing: try data+cache wipe and dalvik chache wipe (you will loose all data though)
ACCESSING RECOVERY - CWM or Stock
You can enter Clockwork Mod recovery by pressing the volume buttons when the notification LED flashes in boot up.
If you can't seem to access CWM, try entering Moto's recovery by holding x while turning on the phone and factory reset in there. (press "@" on froyo and "volume up & down" on gingerbread to get past the ! in the triangle.
If you can't access either of these, all thats left is restoring via RSD-lite and trying again.
Useful Links:
Official Firmwares
Battery Calibration
If anyone has any suggestion to improve this thread, additions, or corrections, please comment and I'll edit if fitting .
Cheers - hope this can help a few people.
Special thanks goes out to tezet, endless7, will5 and santiemanuel for bringing us these custom roms, and to Mr. Clown, Mikevhl and EGZTHUNDER1 for your reference threads and guides I've linked to.

[Q] Q> How to install Argen2Stone?

ive tried to install the Argen2Stone 2.7RE on my milestone 2 UK retail running on stock GB 2.3.4!
the funny thing is it always end up on black screen after i restore the argen2stone nandroid and applying the FixedSBF before rebooting my MS2.. i cant access the recovery because after the red motorola logo its already black screen.
Did i do something wrong about it? in the thread of Argen2Stone it say its for any ROM so assuming it should work on UK GB stock!.. Hope anyone can help thanks!
Edit: Got it working using the fixed SBF provided by endless7 CM7.. the thing is the FixedSBF.zip provided in argen2stone is not compatible with UK GB 2.3.4 so after i installed the argen2stone 2.7RE, reboot and gone on a black screen then flashed the fixedSBF using RSD lite then recovery, factory reset..

try entering motorola recovery by holding x when powering on. If it will let you get that far, do factory reset from there an see how that goes. Also make sure you are trying to flash the right sbf, because even group users have to flash a fixed sbf. So you didn't recesarily flash the right one just cause you flashed one
I cant be screwed to find the direct link now as I‘m on my tablet, so please refer to my guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1464507
Around halfway down you will find a section titled install instructions (gingerbread users). There I have the correct link for the fixed sbf you need (this one needs to be flashed with rsd lite btw)
Edit: now that I think about it, your mistake was flashing the fixed sbf. All it does is chanew your kernel, and you were already on the one you needed. So flashing the sbf changed it to a kernel no longer compatible with your phone since you updated to 2.3.6 (non downgradable).
Flashing the sbf I'm referring to earlier should fix you up

DreadPirateDan said:
try entering motorola recovery by holding x when powering on. If it will let you get that far, do factory reset from there an see how that goes. Also make sure you are trying to flash the right sbf, because even group users have to flash a fixed sbf. So you didn't recesarily flash the right one just cause you flashed one
I cant be screwed to find the direct link now as I‘m on my tablet, so please refer to my guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1464507
Around halfway down you will find a section titled install instructions (gingerbread users). There I have the correct link for the fixed sbf you need (this one needs to be flashed with rsd lite btw)
Edit: now that I think about it, your mistake was flashing the fixed sbf. All it does is chanew your kernel, and you were already on the one you needed. So flashing the sbf changed it to a kernel no longer compatible with your phone since you updated to 2.3.6 (non downgradable).
Flashing the sbf I'm referring to earlier should fix you up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply.. well even the stock recovery is not accessible the option i did was reflash all over again.. thankfully i got it working using fixedSBF from endless7 CM7.
Edit: revert back to stock GB rom.. this rom eats up too much RAM >.<...
in stock rom i can manage a 220mb free ram on standby but this rom when on standby for too long manage 175-185mb free rom.. maybe ill try CM9 next!

hi guys, someone could use the FMRadio??

americogiovani said:
hi guys, someone could use the FMRadio??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, it's not possible to use the FM radio in our Milestone 2, no matter with which app and rom.

[Q] Bricked Moto Defy

HI there. First i want to excuse for my bad english.
So, right into the question. Week ago i tried to flash CM9 on my moto defy. I flashed it, it ran well, when suddenly, after 2-3 days the trebuchet luncher crashed. I reboot my phone and all i got is boot loop. So, i'm a noob , but i tried to fix the problem whit installing one of the SBF's for moto defy+ (didn't notice that, the sbf is for Defy+ not for Defy). Actually the rom ran great, but the camera don't work. So i have a NANDROID backup but the moto defy original recovery, doesn't flash it (it says: "E: failed to verify whole-file signature"). I can't instal clockworkmod, couse i can't root the rom. So, the question is: is there any chance to root my rom and instal clockworkmod or can i fix the original recovery error, so i can apply my backup and downgrade to 2.2 froyo.
The rom that i flashed is ->
4.5.1-134-DFP-231 - retail, vodafon, tmobile, O2, full Blur
I tried to flash other SBF's but they dont work, or can't root either.
I tried to root the rom with everyone possible root exploits posted in this forum... but they doesen't work. I noticed that, there are some SBF's wich are rootable, but the download links doesen't work.
So, what is the exit of this ****ty situation?

no way out

No way at all???

wait for a miracle.

meanwhile read this :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1542956
DFP-188, DFP-231, DFP-2311 BL7 Root

novaproject said:
HI there. First i want to excuse for my bad english.
So, right into the question. Week ago i tried to flash CM9 on my moto defy. I flashed it, it ran well, when suddenly, after 2-3 days the trebuchet luncher crashed. I reboot my phone and all i got is boot loop. So, i'm a noob , but i tried to fix the problem whit installing one of the SBF's for moto defy+ (didn't notice that, the sbf is for Defy+ not for Defy). Actually the rom ran great, but the camera don't work. So i have a NANDROID backup but the moto defy original recovery, doesn't flash it (it says: "E: failed to verify whole-file signature"). I can't instal clockworkmod, couse i can't root the rom. So, the question is: is there any chance to root my rom and instal clockworkmod or can i fix the original recovery error, so i can apply my backup and downgrade to 2.2 froyo.
The rom that i flashed is ->
4.5.1-134-DFP-231 - retail, vodafon, tmobile, O2, full Blur
I tried to flash other SBF's but they dont work, or can't root either.
I tried to root the rom with everyone possible root exploits posted in this forum... but they doesen't work. I noticed that, there are some SBF's wich are rootable, but the download links doesen't work.
So, what is the exit of this ****ty situation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay dude. First thing:
Calm down. If you already are then read on!
Since Defy and Defy+ are more than 90% similar in hardware flashing SBF should not be a problem until you don't want downgradability! So from the name of the SBF I guess its for 2.3.6(GB) So now no way can you downgrade to Froyo kernel or for that matter any ROM using Froyo kernel. Am not sure about your ROM but I use the Asia retail SBF (4.5.1-134-DFP-1321 - retail-asia full Blur multilanguage) and I have rooted it using latest superoneclick and modded, rooted and installed CWM recovery umpteen times! So, what you can do is:
1.) Find out version of Android(2.3.4 or 2.3.6) in your phone at present.
2.) Case a:If it is 2.3.4: You can get any kernel and downgradeability is
preserved. There should be no prob faced!
Case b: If you have 2.3.6: You should try the SBF I have since it is rootable.
3.) Now I presume your phone should be working fine with Android 2.3.6.
Let me know if it works and than we can proceed further..
You can also give a try with Walter's fixed SBF and Nandroid backup
PS: A Defy as I understand is almost impossible to Brick!!! Y? Since its bootloader is locked

HI there, thx for the help
Yes, the installed rom is 2.3.6. I want to change it, couse the battery drain too fast (one day and it's gone) and there's no camera.
I flashed the rom that you said me (4.5.1-134-DFP-1321 - retail-asia full Blur multilanguage), but it's not working.. Doesn't boot at all. After the rom is flashed, the phone reboot and nothing, black screen. Only the white LED light on the upper left corner is activated. I'm giving a try with Walter's fixed SBF now.

Walter's fixed SBF doesen't work too. Same blackscreen...

novaproject said:
Walter's fixed SBF doesen't work too. Same blackscreen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I think similar thing happened with me once when I installed CM9 kernel! This is what I did:
1.) Flash SBF. (Full)
2.) Boot to stock android recovery.
3.) Wipe data and wipe cache.
4.) Reboot.
Well since you already installed a full SBF of 2.3.6 you cannot downgrade! And from what I have seen till now from users experience(and mine) 2.3.6 gives much better battery life. So from now on whenever u use a nightly or ROM use the one for GB(Defy+) builds

This means, that i cannot change the rom anymore?

novaproject said:
This means, that i cannot change the rom anymore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change ROMs. But you can't go back to an old or downgraded ROM(like froyo). That means you will always have to use ROMs made for Defy+ (GB). There are many CM7 nightlies by Quarx for Defy+ and the latest one for me worked great.
However, should you want to go to Froyo again there is a workaround:
A chinese sbf of froyo was found to have an updated bootloader! So the workaround is:
1.) Flash the chinese SBF(Never use the flash as it will burn your flash)
2.) Root, install 2nd init and CWM.
3.) Now you can flash CM and ROMs for Defy(Froyo) since you got a froyo
kernel(And use your flash now )
This is something I gave a try and it worked for me. I am sorry don't remember which thread it was with this tutorial. May be you can give it a search...

Thanx again.
I tried the chineese sbf but it didn't work. Same black screen...
Is there any way to instal .zip rom (like CM7) with program like RSD lite?

novaproject said:
Thanx again.
I tried the chineese sbf but it didn't work. Same black screen...
Is there any way to instal .zip rom (like CM7) with program like RSD lite?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do a data wipe from stock recovery after installing the chinese SBF?
I dint quite get your second question! If you asked :
a.) Can zip be flashed using RSD lite.. No!! You cant. RSD lite understand only proper SBF files with correct checksum!
b.) Can zip be installed from stock recovery: No!! To instal a zip from stock you need the zip to be signed by motorola. That is why the whole concept of 2nd init comes up! It is a recovery menu which comes before the system boots up

It was the first question
Yes, i did the data wipe, and nothing... I think, no other SBF works except mine... I don't know what to do now.

novaproject said:
It was the first question
Yes, i did the data wipe, and nothing... I think, no other SBF works except mine... I don't know what to do now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry dint see that! I am afraid i think the SBF you flashed has BL7 as someone in the thread mentioned earlier! just to be sure:
1.) Download this .
2.) Extract the sbf and check the cmg versions. Check the version for cmg39.
3.) If it is 7. I am afraid there is no way out yet!! For the time being you are stuck with that SBF!! You are unable to boot because the SBF I gave you and most others has BL6 !!
Sorry again as I dint thought of this possibility earlier! And don't worry much. For now reflash the SBF that is working for you and wait till a way to root it is found!!

And speaking of it I welcome myself to the group!!
Just got back my Defy+ from service center and after I switched it ON I saw the lockscreen interface was different! A quick check told me that it is the latest SBF they flashed. I kept my fingers crossed. Once back home I checked and found this phone is not rootable!!! Now I am stuck too!!

Wooow, they flashed you BL7??
OK, man, im gonna donate you one AK47!

novaproject said:
Wooow, they flashed you BL7??
OK, man, im gonna donate you one AK47!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh that is so very nice of u!!!!
Sent from my MB526 using XDA

from android 2.2 to 4.x guide

I never did any software changes to my phone, because of this whole warranty talking, but today my warranty is over, so this finally the time for some upgrade . Currently I have B138 ROM and I want something with android 4.0+ for google hangouts, and much more apps that are based on API level 14. So my first question: is CM11 stable enough for every day use? I don't have second phone, and I have to be on line most of the time.
Assuming that it is, I did prepare a little todo list:
Install stock rom through dload (Second question: will B518 be good enough, becouse if anything goes wrong I will still have pink screen; Third question: Should I wipe data and/or cache? It would be wiped anyway, or not?)
Root the phone using [U8800] [How To] Root, Install ClockworkMod + Remove Bundled Apps from Official 2.3.5 (link to SuperOneClick inside this thread is dead, but I found it elsewhere)
I'm rooted so I can backup my IMEI thanks to [Helpful][Tutorial][Caution] IMEI backup & Flash your IMEI
I still have stock recovery, [RECOVERY] ClockworkMod Recovery [v6.0.4.6]
If answer for second question will be “You should use latest official, B528”, I will have to get my PINK screen back (in this tut Blefish recommended 5.5.0.4 recovery, 6.0.4.6 installs on top of it, so I will rather stay with 5.5.0.4)
If CM11 is stable enough partitioning is required: [PARTITION] BlePart [v2.x].
[ROM][07.09.2014] Unofficial Cyanogenmod 11.0 [4.4.4]. This ROM is rooted out-of-the-box, isn't it?
[GAPPS][4.4.x] OFFICIAL Up-to-Date PA-GOOGLE APPS (All ROM's). And here it goes a little messy. A lot of different packages, replacement of stock apps, Titanium Backup required (?), I don't know how to install, update, remove them...
Anyway, see guys how much have you done for anyone who has u8800, it's everything right here and only thanks to you I was able to make above list .
Is everything in right order? Is there anything important that I didn't found and read before posting this?
EDIT: If anyone will need this in the future:
Second step didn't worked, SuperOneClick freezed in "Step 7", I found [URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23565074]this[/URL] tutorial and it rooted my phone (I had to use included adb drivers).
CWM 5.5.0.4 wasn't able to install CM11, with error "E:Error in /sdcard/cm-11-... .zip (Status 7) Installation aborted", with CWM 6.0.4.6 I had no problems.
/system partition from BlePart allows only for micro PA-gapps

It's good decision to Flash Custom ROMs as there is no good original FW for this good phone. It's a "Do It Yourself" phone! :fingers-crossed:
But there are more than one CM11 versions like there are more than one CM10 versions, etc. You should better read their forum pages and then decive yourself which one to use...
ROMs which need re-partitioning is one step further than classic Custom ROMs. For this case you should better try firstly some ROMs which don't need partition. For e.g. Aurora will be a perfect option for that.
You can get Aurora v5 Update 20 and 21 (which I have used very long time) from its topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1492957
Then you can do partitioning. I personnally suggest Forumber's partition file.
After partitioning you can try Aurora SP+ Update 2 which I am currently using. You can get from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2295318
Next step is Blefish currently developping ROM. After trying Aurora SP+ you can go one step further and flash Blefish. You can even participate to the topic with the issues you may face in this still developping ROM. Get it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49579659

Thanks for reply, I'm using CM two days from now and I'm amazed what this phone is capable of To be honest I didn't choose Aurora ROM because of 800 pages topic to read . I wasn't shure from where start reading, so I read the whole topic about 4.4.4. And I didn't even thought about leaving stock partition schema. In 2.2 I had problems with lack of space for applications.
But you advise in just one answer to try 3 different ROMs. And I belive many people do so - they change ROMs weekly, monthly to find the best one for their needs. My question is: how to restore everything, everytime when new soft is flashed? Google can restore phonebook. Titanium Backup SMS, and apps. But app data? Saved games? Saved progress in books? And we talking here about jumping between two kernels (.32 and .35), and many API levels. How do you do it?

[Q] Accelerometer/Modem Help D800

Alright, so, I'm not a huge modder, but I do like to remove the stock OS once things start slowing down (as they always do).
When I upgraded my LG G2 D800 to Cyanogenmod 11, I noticed the Accelerometer was no longer working. No big deal, I thought, it would eventually be fixed. So I just used a manual control app in the meantime.
Well, Yesterday I got a ColorCross VR headset, so I want that Accelerometer to work again. I've tried nearly everything. short of going back to stock. I think I know the solution but can't find a reliable download/get TWRP to work with my downloads. I had cm-11-20140504-SNAPSHOT-M6-d800 Installed
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2705509 stating that a modified Kitkat Modem/baseband is needed, but the files are gone.
Then, I found this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2451426 with these downloads http://downloads.codefi.re/autoprime/LG/LG_G2/G2_modems it had two modems or the LGD800, "10D_Radio" and "10O_Radio" neither worked when trying to flash the zip as downloaded using TWRP. I tried both wiping data/Cavik and flashing it right before and right after a fresh install of Cyanogenmod, both Lollipop and Kitkat versions but no luck. Couldn't open the zip file TWRP said.
So I tried a few 5.0 ROMS, CM 12 (second to latest nightly and a few others), Cloudy, Vanir, but none of them turned on my Accelerometer.
So, what I need, is an explanation on how to flash those modem files or if I was doing it correctly, a link to valid modem files. Preferably one that works with an Android 5.0.x ROM, but if I have to go back to KitKat, I can live with that, I just want my sensors to work.
Failing that, I guess I can revert all the way back to stock. But let me ask one question: Can I just flash a .zip file using TWRP if I'm not worried about making it appear completely stock (not planning on returning or selling it) without having to do the extra stuff in the guide intended for a complete return to stock? I don't need recovery to be reverted, just the original stock ROM (I tried to flash just the ROM, but either the download was damaged or I can't simply flash the stock LG G2 AT&T ROM).
I have five bucks in bitcoin I can tip whoever helps me out, either a custom ROM that installs the right modem/baseband by default and is KitKat or above or some instructions on how to get the right modem files to install + a link to them.
If a new build needs to be compiled to get the accelerometer working again, I might be able to donate a little more than that.
Right before posting this I tried downgrading to CM11-20140210-SNAPSHOT but while it installed, it still says there is no accelerometer (and doesn't auto-rotate, even when on). I also tried downgrading to CM10 (the only LG d800 CM10 on the official site) but TWRP didn't want to open the zip.
Thanks!

Neverminc, figured it out, sorry for the noob questions